Indigenous knowledge transfer and acquisition by fishers of Kigungu landing site on Lake Victoria (Uganda)

Abstract

This study describes the pedagogical principles, modes of learning and gender roles in the fishing vocation at Kigungu. Data were collected using participant observation and standardized interview guide from twenty one fishers and eight women. The study aimed to find out the fishers indigenous knowledge contents and how such knowledge is preserved and passed on to the next generation. Findings revealed that fishers who were only male learnt gear construction, fishing, boating, weather, safety at sea, while women provided auxiliary services and employment to fishers. Teachers of the vocation were relatives and the fishers joined the vocation at early ages from ten years. Learning was by doing, physical demonstration and verbal instructions from skills masters. The present study highlighted contributions that local fishers “curricular “could make to improve the training of vocational fisheries scientist in formal institutions. Further investigation on whether living close to urban dwellings and absence of elderly fishers could limit the transfer of indigenous knowledge among fisher is recommended.